2019 FPN Conference Previews: Big West
| TEAM | CONFERENCE RECORD | OVERALL RECORD |
|---|---|---|
| Cal State Fullerton | 18-9 | 35-25 |
| Long Beach State | 16-5 | 43-14 |
| UC Riverside | 10-11 | 38-24 |
| UC Davis | 9-12 | 27-24 |
| Cal Poly | 9-12 | 25-25 |
| CSUN | 8-13 | 23-36 |
| Hawaii | 7-14 | 23-27 |
| UC Santa Barbara | 7-14 | 20-34 |
Catch up on all of our conference previews here: Big West, Big Ten, CUSA, Atlantic 10, Big Sky, CAA, Summit League, American, ACC, Big 12,
West Coast Conference.
TEAMS TO WATCH:
CALL STATE FULLERTON
Returning a great majority of the same roster from 2018 that gave UCLA all it could handle in the Los Angeles regional, fans have a lot to look forward to this upcoming season. Cal State Fullerton also showed its commitment to Coach Kelly Ford, extending her contract through the 2024 season. We’re not sure who will be able to beat them for the regular season title this year and are our projection to win the Big West again this season.
LONG BEACH STATE
Beach enjoyed one of the best season’s in program history but a huge part of that success was 2019 Big West Pitcher of the Year, Ceilo Meza, who transferred to ASU during the off-season. Replacing her will be a challenge for Beach. Another blow? Long Beach State also lost its number two arm who was also strong.
UC DAVIS
Behind Meza, the next pitching leader in the Big West is UC Davis’ Brooke Yanez who claimed Freshman Pitcher of the Year honors. She lacked some run support behind but with Yanez on the mound UC Davis has a shot to stay in and win some games.
BIGGEST QUESTIONS:
SAYING GOODBYE TO MEZA
Losing Meza is a huge blow to Long Beach State. The biggest question is how will they do without her? Do they have the arms on staff to either replace her or “pitch by committee” to continue on the successful path they started down last season?
GOTTA SCORE
Consistency and offensive production needs to be the focus for Cal State Fullerton. If they can produce and in timely situations they will be just fine!
MORE TRANSFERS
UC Riverside also enjoyed a strong season of improvement that culminated with a second place finish in the NISC postseason tournament last year. Star freshman pitcher, Hailey Dolcini, departed the program via transfer in the off-season though so can UC Riverside pick up where it left off last season? Especially without Dolcini?
RUN SUPPORT
UC Davis needs to improve offensively, they have the anchor in the circle, now they have to put up some runs. Can they break through this season?
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Nichole Fry, Long Beach State
The senior enjoyed a strong season in 2018 posting a .372 batting average, hitting seven home runs, scoring 52 runs, and knocking in 41 RBIs.
Taylor Rowland, Long Beach State
A key player in the very successful Beach offensive attack last season, Rowland hit .351 with 12 home runs, 58 RBIs, and nine doubles.
Naomi Hernandez, Long Beach State
As a freshman, Hernandez was a first team All-Big West selection after a strong first campaign. She hit .387 with 18 doubles, four home runs, and 37 RBIs.
Alyse Rojas, UC Davis
Another first team All-Big west selection in just her freshman year, Rojas shined with a .372 average, 21 RBIs, and nine doubles.
Brooke Yanez, UC Davis
Our choice for the Big West 2019 Pitcher of the Year, Yanez was tough in the circle compiling a 1.75 ERA over 187.2 innings of work while striking out 190 batters. In 2019, she will need to focus on lowering her free passes (66) and continue to be consistent and steady in the circle for her team.
Megan Stevens, CSUN
We are keeping an eye on Stevens who could have big year if she can lower her strikeouts (31) this season. Last year she hit .301 with eight doubles, 48 RBIs, and 13 home runs. She has a lot of power and ability to do demand at the plate but needs to be more consistent and lower those strike out numbers
Brittany Hitchcock, Hawaii
While Hitchcock only threw 53.1 innings in 2018 she put up some positive numbers that could represent a sign of good things to come in 2019. The Rainbow Wahine lost its ace so if Hitchcock can have a breakout season, Hawaii may be able to win some more games this season.
Deshae Hill, Cal State Fullerton
Hill shined in her freshman campaign hitting .356 with 30 RBIs, and eight doubles. Fans should be excited to watch Hill develop and grow this next season and beyond.
Brooke Clemetson, Cal State Fullerton
A terror on the bath paths Clemetson swiped 35 bases last season and was walked 40 times. She also hit .289 with two doubles, and three triples. The downfall? She also struck out 40 times. Clemetson has to work on that and if she can, expect to see her number spike.
Zoe Richard, Cal State Fullerton
Another Titan who could be poised for a strong season is Zoe Richard. In 2018, she hit .309 with 32 RBIs. She is another one that will need to step up, lower her strike outs (21), and be a consistent presence in the lineup.
PROJECTIONS:
CONFERENCE CHAMPION (REG. SEASON): Cal State Fullerton
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Nichole Fry, Long Beach State
PITCHER OF THE YEAR: Brooke Yanez, UC Davis
COACH OF THE YEAR: Kelly Ford, Cal State Fullerton
